Give your views on latest plans for Temple Island 

A site once earmarked as the home of Bristol arena is set to be turned into a “vibrant new urban district” under plans set out by Legal & General.

The asset management company is now asking people in the city to give their views on the latest proposals, which will see 500 new homes, two new office blocks, retail space, a hotel and conference centre built on the empty plot near Temple Meads.

Having finalised a £350m deal with Bristol City Council for the site in 2022, Legal & General (L&G) is pressing ahead with its vision for Temple Island with a second round of public consultation.

Under the terms of the deal, the council agreed to spend £32m preparing the derelict plot for construction and will guarantee L&G rent on the office space for 40 years.

In return, the firm is promising to build high-quality workplaces and create employment opportunities, as well as commercial space and homes, with “a target of 40 per cent being affordable”.

L&G says its plans will create a “vibrant new urban district” – image: Legal & General

L&G bosses say they want to “facilitate a sustainable district” and “enable low carbon lifestyles by creating new pedestrian and cycle routes alongside enhancing ecological habitats”.

They are now seeking feedback on the latest plans – including views on proposed walking and cycling links and ideas on how the public ground floor spaces can best serve the community – prior to submitting a planning application in spring 2024.

Among the comments so far left on an online interactive map, people have called for the inclusion of social housing and suggested numerous ways to make walking and cycling in the area safer and easier.

The vision for the site, which will form part of the wider Temple Quarter regeneration, has received a mixed reaction, with the chairman of Bristol Civic Society slammed the plans as “unattractive” and “too tall”.

Mayor Marvin Rees says the development “will provide the new homes and inclusive economic growth our city needs in a sustainable location”.

He said: “Temple Quarter has taken years of work and collaboration with key partners. The plans being developed for Temple Island show the transformational momentum gathering pace in this part of the city.”

Marvin Rees says the development “will provide the new homes and inclusive economic growth our city needs in a sustainable location” – photo: Betty Woolerton

L&G is hosting four drop-in events:

• Thursday, October 19: Temple Quay. 11.30am-2pm. Outside the main entrance of Bristol Temple Meads. 4pm-6pm.
• Friday, October 20: Totterdown Tesco car park. 3pm-6pm
• Saturday, October 21: Outside NatWest bank in Broadmead.10am-2pm.

People can also leave their views online via: www.templeislandbristol.co.uk.

Ben Rodgers, head of regeneration for L&G, said: “We have reviewed the feedback received during our first engagement period and are working hard to ensure plans respond to this.

“Temple Island has stood vacant since 1995, so we’re excited to discuss our proposals to deliver a vibrant new district, offering major employment opportunities, much-needed homes as well as the facilities to support Bristol’s visitor economy. We really believe this scheme will play its part in sustaining and supporting the growth of Bristol.”

Main image: Legal & General 

Read next:

• Civic society slams Temple Island plans as ‘unattractive’ and ‘too tall’
• £350m Temple Island deal finalised 
• ‘Huge opportunity’ to shape future of Temple Island 

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